Dash Cam suggestions

Does anyone have any experience with a very simple install yet quality dash cam without a GPS? I am looking for something with good video quality, yet at the same time, I am not trying to rewire the entire truck.

 

I have the garmin45w, good video, auto save on impact. I had the power cable over mirror straight down to plug but I got the simplex usb mirror adapter that I can use now. The adapter is out of stock but according to posts it will be available again soon

 

I have a

$170 VanTrue N2 Pro Uber Dual 1080P Dash Cam, 2.5K 1440P Front Dash Cam, Front and Inside Dash Camera w/Infrared Night Vision, 24hr Motion Detection Parking Mode, Accident Record, Support 256GB max(2023)

VanTrue N2 Pro from Amazon. Excellent front/rear cams. Ran the wiring along headliner, and down windshield pillar, then hardwired to fuse tap under dash.

 

When it comes to adding something to my truck, or really anything in my life, I tend to over do my research. After browsing the Internet of 1000’s of dash cams and watching review after review, I decided to go with a duel camera called the “Viofo A129”. I’m not a huge fan of the body design but I am a huge fan of quality, features, and durability.

Viofo has other models that might fit your needs but, I picked them because they are one of the first companies in the game and have had time to improve their products over the years vs the other newer cameras and companies in the game. Expect to pay around $100-$300 for quality and durability. Pay for what you get !

 

This was one of my options when searching as it appears to be a premium dash cam. After watching comparison videos and reviews, it was a close second !

 

Viofo makes good cams for the money. I have the 129pro duo but the other offerings in the lower price range are good.

 

Search for "Garmin Dash Cam 30" on Amazon. $50 new, $42 if you buy a refurb. I think mine is a the "45" model, can't remember for sure. I plan to mount it on the Dash Multi Mount (DMM) available at thetacogarage.com when it arrives. That way, there are no wires hanging from the mirror. If you don't mind the wire on the dash or mirror, you can use the included window adhesive mount that comes with the unit and just plug it into the cigarette lighter adapter or a USB adapter. It is a very simple unit, just records in a loop. It will lock the video to prevent overwriting if it detects a collision or you can press a button to lock the video from being overwritten manually. There is PC or Mac software available to download the video from the device if you like.

I know you said you didn't want one with a GPS, but the models with GPS do have a couple of features I appreciate, like warning you when you are in proximity of red light cameras or radar speed traps--reminds me to pay attention.

Finally, you should try to see some video recorded from any dash cam you're thinking of buying--including the one I mentioned above. Some of the cheaper dash cams make horrible videos. There's also a big difference between day and night recordings. Some of the videos I looked at from dash cameras were completely useless at night time.

Oh, forgot to mention that the GPS feature I mentioned above is built into the dash cam and isn't part of a Garmin satellite navigation unit, though they do have some satnav units that have dash cams too. So basically, the unit just beeps to warn you that you're getting close to a red light camera... There is no map display.

 

My "Garmin Dash Cam 56" was just delivered yesterday. I've played around with it a bit but have not installed it in the Tacoma yet because I'm waiting for a couple of parts for my custom mounting solution using the existing GoPro mount in my truck.

 

Older model GoPro's work great - not expensive and there's already a dock. Are there GoPro docks in 2018's and up? Theres one in my 2017.

 

I can confirm there is a go-pro mount in my 2018. I adapted my (not a go-pro) dash cam to mount there.
Very easy, especially if you power it using the Dongar usb mirror adapter, and secure.

 

Thinkware cams are very good, and the newer ones require an additional antenna for GPS to work so you can just not add that and not have GPS.

Buy once, cry once. Get one with good night time clarity and one that has a parking mode. Some cameras now even have radar in them to detect movement during parking mode.

I suggest going to YouTube and searching something along the lines of "Best dash cams 2020" to get an idea of the variety and selection.

 

BlackVue

 

Blackvue works flawlessly. I used a gopro buckle with a bicycle handlebar mount to mount mine to the windshield. Stays put no problems what so ever.

 

Got a pic?

 

I'd be interested in seeing your setup for that mount when you get it done.

 

Go pro mounts discontinued in 19’s

 

I went with a

$200 Rexing V1P Pro Dual 1080p Full HD Front and Rear 170° Wide Angle Wi-Fi Car Dash Cam with Built-in GPS Logger, Supercapacitor, 2.4" LCD Screen, G-Sensor, Loop Recording, Mobile App, Parking Monitor

Rexing V1P Pro with the front and rear cameras.
I did end up running my wiring down under the door trim to the rear and fuse tapping it.
I also bought a 3D printed mount from the GoPro base to the camera base and just put it on the GoPro mount.

 

Hopefully that will be early next week.

 

Ill take a picture when I get home and post it. here's the mount I used

K-Edge GO Big GoPro Camera Handlebar Mount 31.8mm
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=82079

 

I got the Toyota dash cam the dealer installed it and they gave me a really good price. I have not used it yet so i am not sure on how well it works i will have to try it out soon